I hear and respect what you're saying psyprof1. True, I have not A/B'd a really high end external phono stage and high end LOMC with the 2150 specifically. However, he also asked "has anyone tried an outboard phono section", to which I answered in the affirmative.

Beyond that, I think it's, well... an unusual comparison. A bit like comparing a Ferrari to a Honda, no? Sure they're both great cars, and they'll get you from point A to point B, but they're engineered with a different performance level in mind and priced accordingly.

I also might add both the Lyra Helikon and the Herron have received glowing reviews in the audio press; so it's not as if the products did not pass muster with some folks who have a pretty keen set of ears.

Lastly, I don't want to sound like a Doubting Thomas, but I don't think there are going to be a whole lot of people out there who would feed a front end like that into a budget priced receiver. So the sort of report from the field Roger's looking for may prove very elusive.

So... I offered up a few comments regarding an experience that will probably come closer than most: my own use of an outboard, tube-based phono section with an Outlaw product.